Dear Olive: Today, I overheard my human tell her friend that I was “in heat.” What does that mean? And how can I be in it? Dolly, Anchorage, AK

Dear Dolly: You are now the most popular bitch in the neighborhood. It is a vicious cycle of popularity, unpopularity, popularity, unpopularity, and you are in the popularity phase, so enjoy it while you can. Olive

Dear Franklin: You are very insightful for a common American Beagle. Yes, and when they are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light, they are actually sniffing the bumper of the car in front of them. Olive

Dear Olive: How can I get over my fear of water? Teeny, Oahu, Hawaii

Dear Teeny: Drink bourbon instead. Olive

Dear Olive: I am a French bulldog named Poppy – ooh la la. Although some people think I look like a bat-dog, I am really friendly and lovable. How can I get them to know the real me? Poppy, New York, NY

Dear Poppy: You little croissant. Try letting them nibble on your ears. But dip them in melted butter first. Olive

Dear Olive: Why is Mrs. P.I.B. so grumpy with me when I squeak my toys in her face? Wonderbutt, San Antonio, Texas